Enrolments

Hello and welcome to Roncalli College. We offer a well rounded education and include all aspects of student development - academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual, environmental and community.

Roncalli College is intended primarily for Catholic students from year 9-13. The Integration Agreement states that a certain percentage of the total roll must consist of ‘preference’ students while a small percentage of the total roll may be ‘non-preference’. Places are given to such pupils on the basis of availability.

The criteria for 'Preference' is one of the following:

The child has been baptised or is being prepared for baptism in the Catholic Church.

The child’s parents/guardians have already allowed one or more of its siblings to be baptised in the Catholic faith.

At least one parent/guardian is a Catholic, and although their child has not yet been baptised, the child’s participation in the life of the school could lead to the parents having the child baptised.

With the agreement of the child’s parent/guardian, a grandparent or other familial adult in the child’s life, such as an aunt, uncle or godparent, undertakes to support the child’s formation in the faith and practices of the Catholic Church.

One or both of a child’s non-Catholic parents/guardians is preparing to become a Catholic.

If you are unsure about preference criteria, please feel free to contact the College office or your local parish.

Applications are still being accepted for 2018. If you would like an application form sent to you either telephone the College Office on 688 6003 or email us on office@roncalli.school.nz

Prospective Family Questions

Can I come to Roncalli if I am not Catholic?

Of course you can. The College can only accept 5% of its roll that are not affiliated with the Catholic faith, but parents or relatives who hare Catholic, and willing to support the student through their time at the College, help assist with decisions around preference. Coming to Roncalli is all about being open to the Catholic faith and how its values can positively shape the student's life. You may decide to experiment and try it out by enrolling in our Sacramental Programme to see if the Catholic faith is something you would like to commit to. By all means, come and talk to us!

I don't go to church, does that matter?

The basic Gospel values that are taught and the foundation of the College, guide us in how we can be caring, productive citizens. By coming to Roncalli College you become part of 'the church' in the fact you are wanting to become part of a warm, family orientated community who puts the needs of people at the forefront.

How will I cope with Religious Studies?

Religious Studies at Year 9 and 10 is an exploration of history, values, attitudes and some Catholic beliefs highlighting what it means to be a good person. There are modular units delivered by a wider variety of teachers that compliment health and well-being, assisting the student with relationships and equipping them to make the right choices when faced with issues in their lives.

Because I have to take Religious Education, doesn't this mean it cuts down option choices?

Students have a wide range of choices of subjects and at Year 9 get to sample everything that the College has to offer. In addition to English, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Social Studies and e-Learning, all students have a one term taster of Art, Drama, Music, French, Resistant Materials Technology, Food & Nutrition, Financial Literacy and Design & Visual Communication. This means at Year 10 students are equipped to make informed choices for their options moving forward. At Year 11 students study six subjects; they take Religious Education, Maths and English, with three other options, though Science is highly recommended. The only required subjects at Year 12 are English and Religious Education, with Religious Education being a university approved subject at Year 13.

Is Roncalli a successful academic school?

Roncalli is an outstanding school with regards to academic results. Students at Roncalli College consistently achieve far above the national average at NCEA Level One, Two, Three and University Entrance. Teachers at Roncalli have high expectations that all students will aim for and achieve personal excellence. Complimenting this is the focus on ensuring all students have a pathway once they leave Roncalli through an outstanding Gateway and Work Experience programme, flexible and innovative student centered course designs and caring staff who respond to each students individual needs.

Does Roncalli have a boarding option?

Yes, we do. We share the boarding facilities with Timaru Girls High School and there are currently a number of girls, of varying year levels, in the boarding house, a short 5 minute walk from the College. The girls love the extended network of friends that they have because of this, and enjoy the two different styles of education.

Roncalli is a safe, supportive family environment where every student is valued for the unique individual they are.

Open Day

Our Open Day 2017 is on Sunday 21 May. We are looking forward to you visiting our College.
Register for a guided tours of the College at the College Hall from 11.30am. Tours will be ongoing until 2.00pm.

Next steps..

We would appreciate your application for 2018 by Wednesday 1 June. Any inquiries or questions regarding Preference criteria, please contact the College Office.

Acceptance

We will write to you shortly after 1 June notifying you if you have been accepted for 2018.

Meet & Greet

In the first half of Term 3 we will invite accepted students along with their parents/caregivers for an interview where we can get to know you, talk about our programmes and your strengths, measure you up for your uniform, and address any concerns you may have about starting high school.

During the latter part of Term 3 a member of our senior leadership team will visit you at your primary school. We can organise a transition visit to Roncalli College if it is needed.

Orientation

Early November we are holding an Orientation day where students will have the opportunity to take part in an assessment activity and then in the afternoon be involved in games and orientation activities with senior students.

Before the 2018 academic year begins, we hold an induction day for our new Year 9 students.